Plan for development next to Fry’s gets approval

Though worried about the traffic flow, Maricopa Planning & Zoning commissioners approved a development review permit for the proposed Edison Pointe south of Fry’s Marketplace.

The commercial development is designed for stores and shops, an auto-repair business, a sit-down restaurant and a fast-food restaurant. The property is on the northeast corner of the intersection of John Wayne Parkway and Edison Road.

Lopez said the city wants to “de-emphasize” parking so there is not the appearance of a sea of cars. An alternative design element includes a raised walkway.

Edison Point site location

Commissioner Ted Yocum called the plans “very well thought out and designed.”

“This is something that we need for economic development,” Commissioner Michael Sharpe said, adding he felt it was forward thinking to include possible electric car charging stations.

But Sharpe also raised the issue of traffic access by vehicles southbound on John Wayne Parkway. He said he could foresee the same issues the city has with Maricopa Station but on a property two or three times larger.

He asked Lopez whether a U-turn would be created.

Lee and Barbara Murray, who live in The Villages at Rancho El Dorado, also told the commission they were concerned about the traffic. Lee Murray said the traffic on Edison already backs up.

Commissioner Jim Irving, also a Villages resident, said the idea of a U-turn at the intersection “really scares me” because he frequently cycles on Edison and his wife walks. He wanted to emphasize traffic review as the plans move forward.

Edison Pointe site plan

“How in the world are people going to get in and out of this place?” he asked.

Lopez said traffic review is built into the conditions of the property development. He also said any traffic configurations affecting John Wayne Parkway, a state highway, must be reviewed by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

VP must present the plans to ADOT for review. Maricopa City Council must also review and approve plans.